Connecticut western news., 1887-09-14

But soon saw Norah standing with some friend in the shade of the trees, and the sight of her fresh, sweet face seemed to act like magic on my spirits, and blow all the cobwebs away. Heed less of the impudent smile on Tomp- kius's face that greeted my start of pleasure I made my way quickly to her idle, and the shy, sweet smile that well comed me more than repaid me for my late annoyance.
 "They start at once for the ruins," l said. ''Will you come, tooT'
 'I want first to finish my sketch, :" she answered. 'I want to put in some cattle, and hear there are some fine oxen near. Could you show me the waya''
 Now, think, if Norah had asked me anything else in the world I should have jumped at the chance of doing it for her sake; but to face bullocks! From my infancy Ihave had an inborn dread of the whole race; even the homely and succulent COW of commerce is not ex- cmpt from my dislike; while the mis- named "monarch of meadows" the un- mitigated bull, fills mo with a feeling that hardly falls short of absolute terror did not answer; could not.
 "Please do not come, if you would rather go with the party to the ruins,' ? Norah continued. 'I will ask Captain Tompkins."
 It was enough. Hardly considering the consequences, I exclaimed, 'I will come with pleasure.
 We started. ...-..
 "What magnificent creaturesr she cried, when she reached the field. ''Oh, and what number"
 There certainly was, and more than cared for. Behind, before, on either hand they stood, grazing, or lay down chewing the cud.
 "Oh, do come closer! I must get that lovely groupw exclaimed Norah.
 It was group of four ferocious-look- ing beasts, ono standing, the rest lying in various attitudes around. One, a great black animal eyed us steadily, and slightly altered his position the better to see us. Norah sat down; I reluct- antly did the same.
 "Would you sharpen my pencil9" she asked.
 She was looking at me curiously. fancy she half-suspected my nervousness so, putting the best face of matters, Igot out my knife and. held out my hand for the pencil, and, as she held it toward me, forgot all but her own sweet self and seized the little hand tenderly. She snatched it hastily away, and think now she thought, as doubtless my atti- tude suggested, that was about to pare her nails
 q think, MT. Maurice," she said gently, q could manage better if you would not mind going the other side ol the bullocks and attracting the notice o1 that black one in the other direction. They are looking the same way and il looks so stiff. If you held out some grass to him or switched your stick about. it might keep his attention fixed"
 rose slowly, and cautiously found my way to the other side.
 It was quite needless to do anything to attract that monsters attention; his eye was on me. As moved, so did he and, as sat down, he turned his head right around, the better to watch me. was turning hot and cold by turns.
 ''That will do nicely, thanks. Kecr him in that position for few minutes, called Norah.
 Then came silence, broken only by the beating of my heart. The suspens' grew unbearable, and the precipitation began to pour down my face. I drew out my handkerchief to wipe my heated brow, when, with an angry grunt, thu animal began to rise. l saw my fata error; the handkerchief was red!
 Rapidly the brute gained his feet ant with head bent low advanced toward me. It was too much. All, all was for gotten but the fate that seemed befor' me. sprang up-I blush to own it. turned around and ran!
 Thud, thud came those hoofs behind me- Nearer came that enorting breatl till almost thought felt it hot upol my neck. Faster and faster I flew nearer and nearer came that franti beast!
 Just then thought I caught fain voice on the air-"Pray drop your hand kcrchief!" I did, for found in my ter TOT have been waving it from side t side us I ran. Almost immediately tn tramping of hoofs ceased; but withou pausing to look behind I made straigh for fence just in front of mo, whicl having vaulted, found myself safe a last
 Then the whole absurdity of my posi tion burst upon me. The ridiculou figure must have cut before Norah, tn contempt she must feel for my coward ice! Oh, what would not have give to be able to wipe the last half hour ou of my life!
 After great deal of consideration 6 to my future conduct, determined face the party at lunch, when l coul judge if my late exploit was knowr When joined them, they were all seate on the grass. I noticed a decided paus in the conversation as l approached Tomnkins was busilY helpinp NQrah 1